'Much of what is proposed derives from an informed, analytical understanding of its context'

(Planning Inspector)

Description

Beacon’s involvement goes back to 2006 when the developer and Glenn Howells met Andy and Jon after a less than positive reaction to initial proposals from the Council planners.

The site is on a prominent junction and faces Parker’s Piece, a vital open space in the city’s Historic Core Conservation Area. Many of the buildings in the area are listed, and the former Fire Station was a Building of Local Interest.

We prepared a context study to establish a site
design strategy. This included the taller corner
building and the mass of development on the
Parkside and East Road frontages and agreed it with
the council. We also produced justification to allow
demolition of existing buildings.

We organised public consultations which raised very little opposition to redevelopment proposals. However, despite officer support the scheme was refused planning permission by the council’s planning committee. An appeal was lodged and the scheme was given permission following a Public Inquiry. We were subsequently appointed by Grosvenor Developments in December 2009 to secure planning permission to amend the previously consented scheme.

The revised proposals reduced the number of apartments to 99, increasing their size, revising internal layouts and introducing some 3-bedroom properties.

Outcome

Planning permission was originally granted in May 2007 and a new consent granted in September 2010.

The scheme started on site in May 2012 and was completed in September 2013.